Nanna Rita Rassu

Nanna Rita (Fredriksson) Rassu passed peacefully in her home on November 16, 2020 Born to Angelita Maria (Puerta) Fredriksson and Joe Axel Fredriksson, April 19, 1931, she was raised in San Francisco, California, as the second oldest and only girl in a family with three brothers. Like the city in which she grew up, there were many hills of both high-points and struggles throughout her life – first, with beginnings in depression-era lean times, and ending in health issues that claimed most of her independence – yet she never failed to reduce most of life's hurdles into mere speed bumps while continuing forward with perseverance. At a young age, she was given the choice of religion by her devout Catholic mother and casually Lutheran father. She whole-heartedly chose Catholicism and made it the foundation and guiding voice the rest of her life. Two unofficial miracles in her lifetime make us confident she is a saint! After graduating St. Brigid High School in San Francisco, Nan put herself through college at Holy Names in Oakland, California, while simultaneously helping her mother and working, managing to navigate street cars and busses from point to point – always running slightly behind. She used her degree to become a teacher and taught first at Longfellow Elementary in San Francisco. She spent her summer vacation breaks traveling with friends to Michigan and Hawaii most memorably. Through a Catholic social club, St. Mary's, she met Carlo Rassu, who she began dating and resulted in 59 years of marriage until his death in 2018. She welcomed a new home in Oakland and, in swift succession, four children, to whom she was the best mother – always making birthdays and holidays special; balancing the full-time job of motherhood while continuing to teach, as well as involvement in many groups and causes. She was adventurous and imaginative, as well as practical and attentive. After retirement, they moved to Reno, Nevada, to begin the next phase of their lives. Nan and Carlo spent time renovating their home. They were able to travel within and outside the United States, and enjoyed exploring different areas of Nevada on their anniversaries. Always one to be a part of local community and interests, they both signed on to "Save the Mapes" and Nan, in particular – forever involved with the church – volunteered at St. Vincent's, as well as helped those who needed a hand or a ride. She insisted on having her grandchildren stay for a couple weeks in summer – taking them on activities and sending them to camps. She was active in social groups, such as her swim club – which became more meeting at restaurants than exercising in the pool. It was important to her to keep family, friends and faith close. In later years, as unusual health concerns limited her activities, she enjoyed playing computer games and watching shows reminiscent of the life she led – travel shows, cooking shows and game shows. Watching and competing in Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune together will always be a reminder of those times. She looked forward to the annual July cabin trip to Dorrington, California – a long-standing tradition that was revived later in life and brought together three generations for fun and communal living, a week or two at a time. She is survived by her four children: Edmund, Jeanine (Jimmy), Christopher (Karen), and Marietta (Rick); as well as five grandchildren: David (Samantha), Nicole (Cameron), Vincent (Cleiry +1), Connor and Justin. Her first great grandchild is on the way. We would like to thank all the friends and family, especially Joanne Hildahl, who enriched her life; and St. Mary's Hospice – Alexandra and Claudia, in particular – for helping through the final leg of her journey and almost surviving 2020. A rosary and mass at Our Lady of the Snows is scheduled for November 23, 2020, at 10:45am. Limited attendance and RSVP is required. A live stream will be provided for those that want to virtually attend at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tbBYCrmmhM. Interment will be at Our Mother of Sorrows. Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to: St. Anthony's Monastery, Save the Children, Operation Smile, Doctors Without Borders, Catholic Relief, Habitat for Humanity, Casa de Vida